applications Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Now Shows You Which Android Apps Will Drain Your Battery

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has raised concerns about battery performance, leading users to seek solutions for extending battery life. In response, Google is working to simplify the identification of applications that drain battery resources, particularly those using the "wake lock" feature, which keeps the CPU active when the screen is off. Google plans to implement technical measures to reduce wake lock overuse and introduce disclaimers for apps that frequently exceed the "Excessive Partial Wake Lock" threshold. If issues persist, Google may limit the visibility of such apps in the Play Store. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve battery efficiency across Android devices, including a prototype warning for users about battery-draining apps. Google is also collaborating with developers to optimize apps that rely on background processes, as seen in its partnership with WHOOP to enhance battery efficiency in its applications.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google starts calling out Android apps that drain your battery before you download them

Google has begun rolling out a new warning system in the Play Store on March 1, 2026, to alert users about apps that may significantly drain their device's battery. The notification will state, “this app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity.” Additionally, Google is introducing a metric to help developers understand how often their apps activate background processes. Apps that exceed the “Excessive Partial Wake Lock” threshold may receive warnings on their listings and could be excluded from discovery surfaces. However, apps that provide “clear user benefits,” such as music playback or location services, will be exempt from penalties. Comprehensive documentation on these exemptions has been made available to developers.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google cuts Play Store fees as Epic settlement reshapes Android app payments

Google has updated the Play Console with several enhancements aimed at improving the developer experience. Key features of the update include: - Improved User Interface: A more intuitive layout for smoother navigation. - Enhanced Analytics Tools: Deeper insights into app performance for better data-driven decisions. - New Testing Features: Advanced capabilities for conducting A/B tests effectively. - Streamlined Publishing Process: Updates to reduce the time required to publish apps.

Tech Optimizer

March 5, 2026

Databricks Lakehouse Gets Postgres Boost on Azure

Databricks has launched the Azure Databricks Lakebase, a serverless PostgreSQL service that integrates operational data into the lakehouse architecture. Key features include a serverless architecture that eliminates the need for server management, operational data integration for a comprehensive data view, and enhanced analytics capabilities for deeper insights.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Bitwarden now lets users log into Windows 11 using passkeys

Bitwarden has introduced a feature that allows Windows 11 users to log in using passkeys stored in their vaults, enhancing security by enabling phishing-resistant authentication at the operating system's login screen. Users can authenticate by scanning a QR code displayed on the Windows screen with the Bitwarden app on their mobile device, which verifies access to the stored passkey. This feature requires the Windows device to be joined to Microsoft Entra ID and for the organization to enable FIDO2 security key sign-in. Users must also register a passkey for their Entra ID profile stored in Bitwarden. The integration aims to improve security against cyber attacks targeting operating system authentication. Microsoft plans to roll out this passkey-based Windows login feature in March, depending on the organization's Microsoft Entra ID configuration, and it will be available across all Bitwarden plans, including the free tier.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Microsoft is fundamentally redesigning NVMe drivers for Windows; initial tests show significant performance shifts

Microsoft is developing a new NVMe storage driver for Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025, moving away from the existing storNVMe.sys driver to better align with modern I/O mechanisms. This new driver utilizes the IoRing framework to enhance efficiency by allowing the processor to manage multiple storage requests simultaneously, reducing latency and administrative overhead. Initial tests show significant performance improvements in random read accesses, particularly benefiting applications like databases and virtualization systems. However, sequential access performance may be lower due to ongoing optimizations. The new driver is currently in preview and not activated by default, with practical use limited until further refinements are made.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Revamps Android App Store Rules, Cuts Fees Amid Global Antitrust Pressure

Alphabet's Google has announced a transformation in app distribution on Android devices, allowing external companies to register and launch their own app stores by paying a one-time fee. This change aims to enhance accessibility for competitors and lower costs for developers. Google will reduce its standard commission for developers from 30% to as low as 15% or 10% in some cases, with implementation expected by June in the US, UK, and EU, and similar changes in Australia, South Korea, and Japan by the end of 2026. Developers using Google’s billing services will incur a flat fee of 5%, while they can also opt for third-party payment processors. Epic Games has expressed approval of these changes, which they believe will help resolve ongoing litigation. Google generated approximately .66 billion in sales from its app marketplace in 2020, and regulatory changes could reduce its gross profit by around billion. The European Commission has accused Google of violating the Digital Markets Act, which could lead to fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Google has previously faced €9.5 billion in fines for competition law violations. A US jury ruled in 2023 that certain Android policies violated antitrust law, leading to an injunction requiring Google to allow competing app stores access to its app catalog. Despite regulatory pressures, Google stated that the changes to the developer fee structure were voluntary and not mandated by legal rulings.